Youth Empowerment
We foster youth leadership and participation by strengthening engagement, wellbeing, and entrepreneurial mindsets.
Championing youth for a green and fair future
We put young people at the heart of everything we do, equipping them with the tools and resources to drive change and unlock their full potential.
As an independent charity, founded by Anglo American, we’re dedicated to championing the next generation.
Unlocking young people’s potential
Today’s world is young. More than 80% of the world’s youth live in the Global South, where economies are rapidly changing – but opportunities are still out of reach for too many.
A job is just one part of the equation. True agency unlocks when young people have the tools to grow, the confidence to lead, and the power to shape what comes next. With economic opportunity, young people gain independence and stability. With voice and influence, they drive change.
When these pieces come together, young people don’t wait for the future – they build it.
The Global South holds the largest generation of young people in history. Their potential is the world’s greatest untapped asset. We are here to unlock it. Because when young people rise, we all do. It’s time to invest in them – and in our shared future.
Our approach A job is just one part of the equation. True agency unlocks when young people have the tools to grow, the confidence to lead, and the power to shape what comes next. With economic opportunity, young people gain independence and stability. With voice and influence, they drive change.
When these pieces come together, young people don’t wait for the future – they build it.
The Global South holds the largest generation of young people in history. Their potential is the world’s greatest untapped asset. We are here to unlock it. Because when young people rise, we all do. It’s time to invest in them – and in our shared future.
Our priorities
We believe young people hold the key to solving today’s challenges. Their bold ideas, boundless energy, and drive to create change are at the heart of everything we do. By focusing on the interconnected priorities – youth empowerment and economic opportunities – together, we are building a green and fair future.
Economic Opportunities
We create jobs and improve incomes by addressing market failures and opening paths to sustainable livelihoods.
How we work
Our approach is deeply collaborative. We listen, learn, and act alongside young leaders, local organisations, and global partners to break down barriers and create sustainable pathways for youth empowerment and economic opportunity.
We champion bold ideas, challenge outdated narratives, and tackle the market failures that hold young people back from shaping their own futures.
Find out more We champion bold ideas, challenge outdated narratives, and tackle the market failures that hold young people back from shaping their own futures.
Latest updates
Explore the latest collection of stories of innovation, collaboration, and impact from our community.
Featured
The Missing Middle
Beatrice Watermeyer, Head of Impact and Learning at the Anglo American Foundation, shares how philanthropy can unlock South Africa’s “missing middle” by designing innovative finance solutions—culminating in the creation of Aséli Impact Capital, a permanent capital vehicle for green MSMEs.
Featured
Aséli Impact Capital
Aséli Impact Capital is a South African permanent capital vehicle created to close the “missing middle” financing gap for green MSMEs that are too advanced for grants yet too early for commercial investment. Co-designed by the Anglo American Foundation, Savant, and Krutham, Aséli provides patient, revenue‑based capital to help green enterprises scale, create inclusive jobs, and strengthen environmental sustainability.
Featured
A New B20 Legacy Initiative: Bridging Business and Philanthropy for Long-Term Impact
A new B20 Legacy Initiative led by the Anglo American Foundation, Standard Bank and WINGS will strengthen how business and philanthropy work together. With IPASA, Krutham and Savant as partners, the effort will unlock local capital and build long-term collaboration across regions.
Featured
Catalytic Philanthropy and the G20: South Africa’s Moment on the Global Stage
South Africa takes the global stage as host of the G20, and philanthropy is stepping up. Through catalytic partnerships across youth leadership, green economic opportunities, and inclusive growth, the Anglo American Foundation is showing how local action can shape global change.